Daily Detox

Although we try to eat clean, we all have our cheat days. And, sadly, we live in a toxic world, so we always need to be detoxing our bodies. Apple Cider Vinegar is a great way to re-balance the body's pH levels and eliminate toxins. I prefer Bragg's ACV, which is organic and is a raw, living food -containing all the vital enzymes and nutrients.

According to Patrica Bragg: "Following the old cliché, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," apples are one of the oldest, most nutritious foods on earth. They are rich in potassium, a mineral many of us are deficient in, and a deficiency that causes old age to creep upon us sooner. Calcium maintains our hard tissues such as bones, and potassium is the equivalent to the body’s soft tissues, keeping the body’s flesh and arteries soft and resilient. Fresh, organic apples are used to make Apple Cider Vinegar, which contains necessary ingredients, such as enzymes, and life-stimulating minerals, mainly potassium, in a natural state. Besides being a natural stimulant for vitality, Apple Cider Vinegar cleanses and restores nutrients to the body so that the body can heal itself. There are so many unknown uses for this powerful cleansing and healing agent!"

"The versatility of vinegar is legendary and is proven to help keep the body healthy, youthful, and ageless! It was used by the Egyptians in 3000 BCE, as well as the Babylonians, and Julius Caesar's army used vinegar tonic to stay healthy and fight off disease. Hippocrates, in 400 BC, treated his patients with apple cider vinegar. The Greeks and Romans kept vinegar vessels for healing and for flavoring and preserving food. In Paris, vinegar was sold by the barrel and used for deodorant and for a delicious tonic drink to keep the body ageless. Even Christopher Columbus took vinegar barrels for his sailors on his long sea travels to prevent scurvy and disinfect wounds."

Most people don't know how wonderful ACV really is. It is known to aid in digestion by stimulating the flow of enzymes and saliva in the mouth. Vinegar has been shown to support a healthy heart. Vinegar can do everything from relieving muscle pain from exercise, balancing pH levels, soothing sore throats, and normalizing weight and helping to maintain levels of cholesterol already in the normal range. Externally, it is effective in supporting healthy skin and hair. I love to use it as skin toner and to rinse my hair with it, giving it a very soft feeling. ACV also helps with Removing Body Toxins, Helps Promote a Youthful Body, Helps support a healthy immune system, Helps Maintain Healthy Skin, Helps Control Weight, Improves Digestion and Assimilation, Soothes Tight and Aching Joints and Sore Muscles from exercise, Soothes irritated skin.

Here is a great "Daily Detox" for just pennies: When you wake up in the morning just make a delicious, refreshing drink of approx. 8 oz water, 1-2 teaspoons of raw, organic ACV, a little lemon juice or pure ginger juice and some stevia to sweeten. This "cocktail" is designed to flush out wastes that are clogging the organs of elimination, the bowels, lungs, skin, and the kidneys. Take it at least twice a day, and you will start to see changes like increased energy, soft skin, and decreased muscle and joint aches from exercise. Make sure you always use raw, organic vinegar and never dead, distilled vinegar because the natural enzymes, minerals, and nutrients are destroyed in the distilling process.

I also like adding frozen fruits like strawberries and raspberries for added flavor. A great way to get greens in is to add powdered greens, like Garden of Life Raw Greens, into your ACV cocktail. Our family drinks this 2-3 times a day. We are loving it - even Nolan - and feeling great!

Carrot Curry Soup - Recipe

It's October. The stores are getting ready for the Holidays. Nolan has already picked out his Halloween costume and insists on wearing it everyday. I am sooo ready for sweaters and boots, but, here in sunny South Florida, its STILL in the upper 80's and we spend most afternoons at the pool! But, in the Kitchen, I am getting inspired for some comforting Fall Foods. This Carrot Curry soup is super quick and super easy. You can make it as sweet or as spicy as you like. You can double the recipe and freeze some for a later date. And, this is a easy, healthy "little kid" meal. Nolan loved it and we had ours the other night with a side of salmon.

Carrot Curry Soup:
4-5 large organic carrots, peeled, washed and cut into small pieces
water
1/2 tsp. salt
3 organic garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 organic yellow onion, chopped.
1 tbsp. EVCO
2 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. parsley, chopped or parsley flakes
1 cup almond milk or coconut milk
salt to taste

Boil carrots with water and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook until carrots are tender. Drain, put in blender, and purée until smooth. In a pot, heat EVCO and fry garlic and onion. Add curry powder. Stir for a minute on medium heat. Mix in pureed carrots. Add approx. 1 cup water and 1 cup almond/coconut milk. (you can add more liquid as needed to thin out). Add salt to taste, and parsley. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Enjoy!

**Alternatives: add in ginger and/or cinnamon for a different taste. Reduce curry/garlic/onion amounts for sensitive kids.Add more curry, or chili powder to make it more spicy**